Monday, May 9, 2016

Mosaics in St Sophia, Constantinople

St Sophia in Constantinople has
had an interesting, but also a troubling, history. From being the Imperial
Cathedral in the capital of the Byzantine Empire, to becoming a mosque during
the Ottoman era, it has ended up being a museum since the 1930s. This history
has resulted in the destruction and covering of works of art. A reversal
process is under way, which has revealed a number of beautiful mosaics;
however, many are still hidden.

Upon entering this magnificent
Church building one sees the prevalence of the marble. A few surfaces had and
have space for mosaics and icons. The surviving ones, or more correctly the
ones which have been revealed, are important works of art, easily recognizable
by everyone interested in icons and iconography.

The most beautiful mosaics are
located in the upper level, also known as gynaikonitis, where the Empresses
went during the services. The most significant mosaic is the one of the Deisis.
In the Orthodox iconographic tradition the Deisis depicts the Theotokos and St.
John the Baptist petitioning, requesting Christ’s intercession for humanity on
each side of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The mosaic in St Sophia dates back
to 1261 AD.

Close to that one finds another mosaic.
The central figure is the Virgin Mary in the middle, with Jesus Christ in her
arms, as is the traditional depiction of the Theotokos. Surrounding the Mother
of God we see Emperor John II Komnenos, his wife the Empress Eirene and their
son Alexios. In this icon we see the Emperor and his wife donating money to
Hagia Sophia.

Following the imperial tradition
within Hagia Sophia, we find another icon depicting this time Christ on the
throne, surrounded by Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos and Empress Zoe. The
Emperor and Empress are depicted donating money to Hagia Sophia.

However, the first mosaic is seen
upon entering the Church, in the narthex, through the Imperial Gate/ entrance.
On the top we find Jesus Christ, blessing those entering. Below Christ, praying
towards Him, is Emperor of Byzantium, Leo VI. This mosaic dates back to the 10th
century AD.

Upon entering the nave, the main
part of the church building, one can see the Virgin Mary, located in the semi
done over the sanctuary. In Hagia Sophia the Theotokos is depicted seated on a
throne, holding baby Jesus in her arms. Surprisingly, the Platytera in this
instance is not that large, as is the case in other, smaller churches.
Nevertheless, it is an impressive mosaic. Additionally, this mosaic is significant
as it is the first icon created in this church following the iconoclastic
period. This mosaic dates back to the 9th century AD. Above the
sanctuary, on either side of the Theotokos Platytera we find the two
Archangels, Gabriel and Michael.

Underneath the large central dome
of St Sophia are four triangles which support the dome. There we find the six
winged angels. During the Ottoman period the heads of the angels were covered.
Today some have been revealed; yet other angels still have a metallic covering
over their faces.

Around the church building we
find other, smaller icons-mosaics, which adorn the church. There we find the
Patriarch of Constantinople Ignatios, St John Chrysostom and the Patriarch of
Antioch Ignatios Theophoros (depicted). The dating of these mosaics is
uncertain; however, it is believed that they were made in the 9th
and 10th centuries AD.

When exiting the Church we find a
very interesting and significant mosaic, showing the history of both the
Imperial Church and the capital of Byzantium. This mosaic was discovered (or
re-discovered) in 1849, when repairs took place. In the centre we see seated
the Mother of God. On her left is Constantine the Great is depicted, the person
who founded the city of Constantinople. In his hands he holds the City,
offering it to the Theotokos. On the right hand of the Virgin Mary we find
Emperor Justinian, who built Hagia Sophia, who is holding the Imperial Church,
offering it to the Mother of God. This interesting mosaic depicts what the Byzantines
believed, that the Theotokos is the protector of the Constantinople. This was
verified when She was seen riding a horse on top of the Imperial walls, when
the City was under attack from the Arabs in the 7th century AD.

About Me

I have studied Theology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Theology, International Relations at the University of London (Queen Mary). My Master's Thesis was published as a book: 'The Aegean Sea Dispute Between Greece and Turkey - The Consequences for NATO and the EU'. For more information see: http://www.akakia.net/el/the-aegean-sea-dispute-between-greece-and-turkey
I have also studied Byzantine Music in Athens and I am currently undertaking a research on the “Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergius and its contribution towards Anglican – Orthodox Relations”, at the University of Winchester.
I also represent the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain at the A.E.C.A. If you wish to contact me you can email me: demetrifs1@yahoo.com